Federico Pellegrino will have to forgo his Olympic farewell. © ANSA / FILIP SINGER

Open letter: The pain of Federico Pellegrino

The cross-country skiing competitions at the Olympic Games in Tesero will conclude on Saturday with the 50-kilometer race over the classic distance. One notable absentee will be present.

February 21, 2026

From: dl

Federico Pellegrino is ill and therefore unable to compete on Saturday. The Italian expressed his disappointment in an open letter: "Over the past four years, as the possibility of participating in the Olympic Games in my own country became apparent, I began to dream about how I would like to end my career and worked towards making it a reality."

Pellegrino continued his statement: “Besides winning a medal in a team competition, I also wanted to compete in the 50km race, the king of Olympic endurance events. The tendonitis in my wrist was under control, but since Friday morning I have been in bed with flu-like symptoms, and I am incredibly sorry to have to inform you that I will not be starting in the 50km race today.”

Federico Pellegrino wanted to say goodbye at the 50-kilometer race. © ANSA / HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

Pellegrino has been Italy's best cross-country skier for many years and only continued his long career until 2026 because of the Olympics. The 35-year-old from Aosta is deeply saddened: "Not being able to experience these emotions – which only the last kilometers of a grueling race offer, cheered on by fans and the whole family, at the biggest sporting event in your own country – which I had so hoped to experience, is heartbreaking."

"Not being able to experience these emotions is heartbreaking." Federico Pellegrino

The sprinter, who has also made his mark in distance races several times in recent years, continued: “I will need some time to process this disappointment. But when that time comes, I will be able to be grateful again for all the emotions I experienced in the last two weeks and on the way to this event.” Pellegrino can at least console himself with two bronze medals, which he won in the men's relay and the team sprint in recent days.